The augmentation of cytotoxic immune cell functionality through physical exertion bolsters the potency of chemotherapy in models of mammary carcinoma

Abstract

Abstract Background Mammary carcinoma, a pervasive and potentially lethal affliction, is conjectured to be profoundly influenced by physical exercise, both in prophylaxis and therapeutic contexts. This study endeavors to explore the repercussions of exercise training on the progression of mammary carcinoma, particularly the mechanisms by which the amalgamation of an exercise regimen and doxorubicin induces tumor cell apoptosis. Methods Female BALB/c mice were categorized into four distinct groups: A sedentary group (SED), an exercise group (Ex), a doxorubicin group (Dox, 5 mg/kg), and a combined treatment group (Dox + Ex). The exercise training lasted for 21 days and included aerobic rotarod exercise and resistance training. The impact of exercise training on tumor growth, immune cell proportions, inflammatory factor levels, and cell apoptosis pathway was assessed. Results Exercise training significantly curtailed tumor growth in a mouse model of breast cancer. Both the Ex and Dox groups exhibited significant reductions in tumor volume and weight (p < 0.01) in comparison to the SED group, while the Dox + Ex group had a significantly lower tumor volume and weight than the Dox group (p < 0.01). Exercise training also significantly increased the proportion of NK and T cells in various parts of the body and tumor tissue, while decreasing tumor blood vessels density. Exercise training also increased IL‐6 and IL‐15 levels in the blood and altered the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins in tumor tissue, with the combined treatment group showing even more significant changes. Conclusions Physical training improves the effectiveness of doxorubicin in treating breast cancer by activating cytotoxic immune cells, releasing tumor suppressor factors, and initiating mt‐apoptosis, all while mitigating the adverse effects of chemotherapy.

Keywords

• breast cancer
• cell apoptosis
• cytotoxic immune cells
• doxorubicin
• exercise training